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USDA Invests $222 Million in Rural Community Infrastructure to Help People in 44 States, Guam and Puerto Rico

Name
Miguel A. Ramirez
Phone
City
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Release Date

Puerto Rico Was Awarded $3,391,424 For The Municipality of Toa Baja

                                                                                  Versión en Español aquí 

San Juan, Puerto Rico, Nov. 19, 2021 –USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is investing $222 million to build and improve critical community facilities in 44 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. This community infrastructure funding will benefit nearly 2.5 million people in rural communities. It also includes $132 million to support health care, food security, and emergency response services for more than 850,000 rural residents in 37 states.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is delivering on its promise to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuild our economy,” Torres Small said. “Rural Americans need emergency response, hospitals and medical facilities, and USDA’s loans and grants invest in critical infrastructure to make that possible. USDA Rural Development puts rural people at the forefront of investment and opportunity to help us all build back better, stronger, and more resilient.”

USDA is investing in 537 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The assistance will fund essential community services that will help keep rural America resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The projects will finance emergency response vehicles and equipment; build or improve hospitals and clinics; and combat food insecurity.

Luis R. García, Acting State Director for USDA Rural Development Puerto Rico indicate that a $3,391,424 low interest direct loan was approved to the municipality of Toa Baja. This Rural Development investment will be used to finance the acquisition of essential equipment for the municipality. A total of 40 units will be purchased and distributed among the Office of the Emergency Management, Public Work Department, Law Enforcement and Sanitation Department to improve the services provided to citizens in rural areas.

More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies and nonprofit organizations. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program.

 Today’s investments complement the recently announced funding availability under USDA’s Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program, which also is being administered through the Community Facilities program. Through this program, USDA is making up to $500 million available through the American Rescue Plan to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, health care services and nutrition assistance.

 Under the Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program, Recovery Grant applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are expended. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/erhc.

 Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB) for a detailed overview of the application process.

 Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. You can follow us in our Twitter Account @RD_PuertoRico.

 

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